SANTA MONICA – Minnesota United got a big win on Wednesday night, beating the Portland Timbers, 3-2.
The game started off on a low note for Portland, whose own goal put them down 1-0 to Minnesota just seven minutes into the game. Although they kept fighting to get a goal, it took Portland until minute 37 to get their revenge. Valeri shot a beautiful penalty kick into the corner of the net and tied the game up 1-1.
Minnesota kept fighting hard and came back with another goal in minute 47. This time, Molino sent the ball down to Ramirez who chipped it over the goalkeeper’s head and scored, putting Minnesota up 2-1 over Portland.
It, however, did not take Portland long to equalize the game right up. Just three minutes after Ramirez scored, Portland got a goal of their own. Vytas crossed the ball in front of the box and Minnesota defender Calvo tried to clear it out, but instead redirected the ball into the back of the net, scoring an own goal and tying the game up 2-2.
It was in minute 64 that Minnesota clinched their win. Danladi rebounded the ball off a shot the Portland goalkeeper had blocked and slid the ball into the lower corner of the net. His game winning goal put Minnesota up 3-2, however, the glory was short lived. Just 7 minutes later Danladi received a red card and was thrown out of the match. Blanco, from the Portland Timbers, also received a red card, and both teams were forced to play one man down for the remainder of the match.
Next up, the Portland Timbers will take on the Seattle Sounders on Sunday at 7:30, while Minnesota United will play Vancouver on Saturday at 5:00.
Abu Danladi got the game winning goal for Minnesota on Wednesday. However, just a few minutes after scoring, he received a red card and was thrown out of the match.
Photo by: Jeremy Olson
Photos by ISI.
